Lawrence County attractions

Ohio University Southern Campus: Collins and Riffe Centers and Bill Dingus Technology Center of the University. Located at 1804 Liberty Ave., Ironton. Also a Proctorville campus. Call 800-626-0513 for information on future exhibits.

French Art Colony Gallery: Monthly exhibits and galleries of all types of art are given. Located at 530 1st Ave., Gallipolis. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 740-446-3834.

Lawrence County Historical Museum: An eclectic mix of Lawrence County memorabilia can be found. Located at 506 S. 6th St., Ironton. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, April through October and re-opening in November through the holidays. Displays change every six weeks. Group tours available by appointment. Gift shop. Call 740-377-4550.

Lawrence County Historic Iron Furnaces: Relics of Lawrence County’s vigorous industrial past scattered throughout the beautiful wooded hills of Hanging Rock Iron Region and the Wayne National Forest. Details about the remains in the area can be found at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call 740-377-4550.

Old Route 75 Tunnel: Visit the historic 165 foot tunnel, built in 1866, located at the intersection of US Route 52 and State Route 93.

Ohio River Burlington Picnic Area: This site where the original Lawrence County Courthouse once stood was the route to freedom taken by the Burlington 37 settles from Madison County, Va. For more information, contact Viviane Khounlavong at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-377-4550.

Burlington 37 Cemetery on Center Street in Burlington: A memorial marker of the 37 slaves freed in 1849 by James Twyman, stands at the gates of this cemetery. All 37 names have been engraved in the marble stone to commemorate their courage. For more information, contact Viviane Khounlavong at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-377-4550.

Macedonia Church of County Road 120: This church is where the 37 slaves conducted their services. It is still used today for significant community events on Center St. in Burlington. For more information, contact Viviane Khounlavong at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-377-4550.

The John Campbell Home: John Campbell was the founder of Ironton who also served to help runaway slaves. The slaves traveled through tunnels into the basement, up a back staircase and hid under the eves of the roof until Campbell could finalize plans for their move further north. The history-packed area can be found at North Fifth Street in downtown Ironton. For more information, contact Viviane Khounlavong at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-377-4550.

Scottown Covered Bridge: In 1991, this historic timber frame covered bridge was preserved and is located on State Route 217 in Scottown, Ohio. A map of the historic location can be found at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Floodwall Murals: The artwork along side the Ohio River on Second Street in Ironton, Ohio, depicts the history and achievements in Lawrence County. The floodwall can be found in the Center St. area of Ironton.

OUTDOORS

Lake Vesuvius: The Vesuvius Recreation Area, named for the old Vesuvius iron furnace, is in the Wayne National Forest. This 143-acre complex is north of Ironton, just off State Route 93. There are camping and picnic areas, and hiking trails, horseback riding trails, fishing, boating, swimming and the Ohio University Southern Nature Center. Call 740-532-4600. Other numbers for the Wayne National Forest, Pedro, Ohio; 877-444-6777, 877-833-6777 (TDD) and 740-532-4600 (Lake Vesuvius).

Dean State Forest (located in the Wayne National Forest): The highest point in Lawrence County, Ohio, is located in the forest at Decatur Township with an elevation of 1,055 feet. Ohio River Observation Point: Three states can be seen at this vantage point in South Point, Ohio, at the opening of the Big Sandy River. A sheltered picnic area is available as well as a paved ramp for launching watercraft. For more information, contact Viviane Khounlavong at the Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-377-4550.

Timbre Ridge Lake: This lake has a paved ramp for watercraft and is best known for bass fishing. For more information, call 740-753-0101.

This indoor shooting range, the only one of its kind in the Tri-State area, features 12 shooting lanes with targets up to 50 feet. Safety is a priority at this shooting range; walls are reinforced with steel and ballistic rubber, so they are impenetrable by bullets. Four certified range safety officers are on site. There is also a classroom at the facility, and the range offers concealed carry and and gun safety classes.

SHOPPING

Some department stores have set up shop along U.S. 52 in Lawrence County, Ohio, including Wal-Mart. There also are many locally owned stores.